Ciao Bella!
It's Wednesday, 16th June 2021, and this week’s Pink Tutu Milan blog comes to you from the fashion capital of Italy.
Sunshine, laughter, and the sweet smell of freshly-baked panettone (oh, that warm cinnamon scent, divine!) - there is truly magic in the air here in Milano!
As you know, this city has always had a special place in my heart, but this week I’m seeing it in a brand new light. Well, perhaps more of a “moonlight” because last night, darling readers, I finally lived out a childhood dream - seeing the Milan Cathedral, that incredible masterpiece of architecture, bathed in the ethereal glow of a full moon!
I can still see the soft moonlight dancing across its marble façade. As I sat by the basin of the Fontana del Castello, sipping my espresso (and yes, I confess, secretly nibbling on a delicate pastel-pink macaron), I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The combination of ancient grandeur, quiet beauty and that magical lunar glow – well, it felt positively tuturific.
I may be in the City of Fashion, but it was fashion in its purest form; fashion as an art form; fashion in its most evocative light - literally! This morning, even my breakfast of brioche con gelato felt all the more beautiful (the gelato, a bright pink, naturally) with those last night's images in my mind.
My Latest Tutu Adventure - An Unexpected Twist
Now, onto my latest adventure. Last weekend, I decided to venture out of the city, escaping to the beautiful countryside to get some much-needed fresh air and inspiration. I packed my Pink Tutu travel bag (which, by the way, is surprisingly spacious and just about fits all my dance wear and my special pink sequined evening clutch), and hopped aboard the comfortable regional train that I love.
The countryside scenery of rolling hills and sunflower fields is simply breathtaking – it’s no wonder Italian landscape painters created such stunning works.
While I was there, I bumped into (quite literally!) an incredible opportunity! There was this gorgeous old palazzo hosting an art exhibition on contemporary dance and movement. The space itself, with its towering high ceilings, and beautifully painted walls, felt so romantic .
You wouldn’t believe it – this art gallery also had its very own dance studio! They even offered classes, including some incredible “ballet street” and even modern dance pieces using traditional Italian costumes.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist joining in, even with the only shoes I had with me being my trusty Pink Tutu pointe shoes (it was worth risking a bit of dirt, I tell you!).
I admit, I was a little out of my depth. It's one thing to do ballet at a studio with familiar faces, and another thing entirely to join a group of unknown Italians (they are so gracious, I might add), dancing in an art gallery that looks more like a renaissance palace. It was so exhilarating!
But oh my gosh, you should have seen me whirling around the dance floor, in my little pink tutu! I could feel everyone's eyes on me (no judgment here, darling readers!), but, with that feeling of being surrounded by this passionate dance community, the butterflies vanished. It was truly one of those moments I live for - when I really connect with the dance in such a visceral way. I feel myself transformed, even if it's just for those precious few hours!
And as for the other dancers - let’s just say, the energy was fiery. These guys and girls truly embodied what it means to be Italian - they had so much enthusiasm and style, so much passion! I almost lost myself in their flow! The music was incredible too, this fantastic mix of Italian folk and modern sounds.
There’s something very special about sharing a creative experience, especially when it comes to dance. We were all just individuals moving, spinning and feeling in unison - an art that, to me, transcends language barriers and geographical boundaries. It’s like a magical conversation without words!
The experience left me with a huge grin, some great inspiration for new dance routines and an even greater appreciation for this incredible country, a country where ballet really comes to life, not just on stage, but in its very air!
Milan: A Shopping Spree that’s Simply Divine
I have to share, because honestly, I'm bursting to spill the secrets! This past week, I've indulged in a little retail therapy, and trust me, Milan has delivered on its fashion reputation. I went for my usual walk-and-shop along Via Montenapoleone, which is pretty much heaven on earth for a ballet lover like myself!
I literally had to drag myself away from that amazing display of tulle and feathers at Dior. The Atelier Versace collection? Exquisite, simply divine, and it definitely gave me some inspiration for new performance outfits.
But then there's that shop I've been keeping secret for you all.
Okay, I’ll tell you! It’s just a little gem, a boutique named * Le Tutu Celeste * located just a stone’s throw from the Scala Theatre. Now, let me just tell you, this place is absolutely fantastic – it’s crammed full of unique vintage dancewear, mostly tutus of every imaginable shade (yes, there's plenty of pink!), all at really affordable prices. It's definitely going on my 'favourite spots' list for the Pink Tutu readers.
I have to admit, dear readers, I might have done a little damage in that place, (but hey, how often can one get pink tutus in Italy for the price of a slice of pizza margherita)! I couldn’t resist bringing back a few gems for my own Pink Tutu wardrobe - and you can bet I’ll be sporting them in my next blog!
Ballet Adventures: Seeing Stars Under the Scala's Lights
It’s always an adventure to go to a show in the Teatro Alla Scala, but this week I managed to snaffle tickets for one of the biggest productions this season, the classic * Swan Lake*. Now, I don't know about you guys, but whenever I see this ballet, I’m completely enchanted by it. Every pirouette, every graceful arabesque, every soaring leap – they simply captivate me, transport me into a world of magic and dreams!
This week, the Prima Ballerina (you can tell they don't scrimp on the ballerina titles here!), she's amazing! She glided across the stage in such a captivating manner, her body telling a silent story with each elegant move. You know what’s even more special? There were some extra performances added to celebrate the company's upcoming anniversary. The music by Tchaikovsky was, of course, heavenly (who could forget the Black Swan theme - so full of dramatic passion). I must say, seeing the entire audience stand and cheer, their applause resonating in that magnificent theatre - I’ve never felt so immersed in the theatre, and definitely felt all the emotions the dancers were trying to express!
And you can be sure I dressed the part! I opted for my trusty "Pink Tutu Gala Dress", my favorite. After all, you can’t wear a Pink Tutu at the opera!
I don’t know what it is about the Scala. Maybe it’s the grandeur, the ornate detailing, the way every single element, every sound and image, comes together in such perfect harmony. I can’t tell you how much I love watching these incredibly talented ballerinas, these amazing athletes of dance, transform themselves right there in front of our eyes!
This, darlings, this is exactly why I'm obsessed with this magical place, why I can’t resist exploring every nook and cranny of its beauty!
My Next Adventures: Tutuminating Italy - Beyond Milan
Now, you might think a week in Milan is enough, but the thing about this place, you can never truly experience it all, and I feel it’s only a start!
So, what's next, darlings? I'm ready to continue my Pink Tutu tour. There's Florence next (just you wait until you see those Renaissance dancers! I already have my pink sequined dress packed for my grand entrance). Then I'm onto Rome, where I plan to explore all things historical, tutu-clad and in my element!
But don’t you worry, dear readers, Pink Tutu Milan won’t disappear! It’ll still be here each Monday, ready to welcome you back. I can’t wait to share the delicious chaos and all the fantastic tutu-tastic discoveries I make in those two beautiful cities!
And in the meantime, please, keep on sharing your own ballet adventures. I'd love to hear where you’re all tutu-ing and what inspires you.
Don't forget, it’s always tutu-time - I can’t wait for you all to join me for our next adventure, to tutuminate the world, together.
Ciao!
Love always,
Emma
Pink Tutu Milan
